Just another WordPress.com weblog

HOW TO CHECK UP NANNY REFERENCES July 27, 2009

After you have interviewed the nanny to your satisfaction, and are able to feel the confidence in hiring the nanny, the next step would be to call the nanny’s references for a more concrete feedback about the nanny. DO NOT offer a nanny a position without checking up references and or criminal background check. A nanny should be able to provide a minimum of two non-family related child care references. Calling up references is a more effective and thorough way of confirming the nanny’s performance when it comes to her experience.

When calling up references, its advisable to already have questions that are customized to fit the kind of position you want filled. For example if your interest in a nanny is cooking, make sure you find out from the previous family her cooking skills. Different families have different preferences on what they are looking for in a nanny, so you want to make sure you ask the kind of questions that will help you make a better a judgment on the nanny you are looking to hire.

Try and keep the reference calls to the point. Start your call with the most recent reference, introduce yourself and explain to them the purpose of your call and make mention of the candidate’s name that you are calling about. In reference calls, less is more, the less you talk and the more you listen, the more information you are likely to gather regarding your candidate.

These are some of the basic questions to ask when calling up references, remember you can always add on any other question that seems suitable for the kind of duties or qualifications you are looking for in a nanny.

– How long has this candidate worked for you ?

– What are the ages of the children she cares for?

– How did she relate to the children, and what do you think they liked best about her?

– What responsibilities did she undertake as your children’s caretaker ?

– Does she show concern when it comes to the children’s safety?

– Was she punctual getting to work?

– What were her qualities and strengthens?

– What were her weaknesses?

– Why did she leave?

– What did you as an employer like best about her?

Avoid asking questions such as, have you ever had any misunderstandings? or what did you not like about her? Remember, you are only getting the one sided story, this will not help you in deciding the right candidate for you and your family. Try to be neutral and thorough!